A’Ibom APC, ambassadorial snub: Call for reflection, inclusion

The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice wishes to address the recent diplomatic embarrassment that has further exposed the political unseriousness of the Akwa Ibom State government and the chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The newly released ambassadorial list, which should reflect national fairness, competence, and unity, has completely excluded Akwa Ibom State. Not a single nominee was considered worthy of representation, either as a career or non-career ambassador.

This omission is shocking, insulting, and deeply revealing.

In a list featuring prominent Nigerians such as Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,  Otunba Femi Pedro, Grace Bent, and many more, every region and almost every politically active state found a place at the table, except Akwa Ibom, whose name appears to have been “lost” between Abia and Adamawa.

While Governor Umo Eno has been tirelessly engaging the Federal Government, “building bridges, potholes, caravans, opening channels”, and ensuring Akwa Ibom benefits from national opportunities, the APC in Akwa Ibom has been busy with events that have no value to the state or the centre. A troubling observation is that the shameful exclusion of Akwa Ibom from the ambassadorial list may not be unconnected to the behaviour of the state APC itself.

How can a party expect federal favour when, at a time President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was, allegedly depressed, battling political tension and national insecurity, so intense it was rumoured to have weighed heavily on his mental state, the Akwa Ibom APC was busy organizing “political homecoming carnivals” and dancing to praise songs, as though Nigeria were in a season of celebration?

While the President was fighting nightmares of nationwide insecurity, the APC in Akwa Ibom was fighting for photo ops. While the nation was mourning victims of violence and uncertainty, the Akwa Ibom APC was celebrating imaginary victories. In such moments, how can anyone blame the Presidency for wondering whether Akwa Ibom State is serious enough to be trusted with sensitive diplomatic responsibilities?

Even states with far less political weight earned ambassadorial positions, yet Akwa Ibom, one of the most peaceful, educated, and politically strategic states, got nothing. This is not a mistake. It is a statement.

But as responsible advocates of peace and justice, we wish to appeal to the conscience of the President: Your Excellency, forgive Akwa Ibom. Forgive the poor judgment of the APC leadership in the State. Forgive their carnival at a time of national sorrow.

Forgive their inability to align with your struggles, your battles, and the challenges you face leading this nation.

Most importantly, remember that 2027 is coming. You will need Akwa Ibom again, even though, as it stands today, the APC in Akwa Ibom has done nothing to win the confidence of the masses, its goodwill, its votes, its stability, and its people. If anything, they have pushed the people further away through their insensitivity and poor political calculation.

We urge the President to look beyond the failings of his party in the state and remember the hardworking, peace-loving, and loyal people of Akwa Ibom who contribute immensely to Nigeria’s progress.

Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated maturity, cooperation, and goodwill toward the Federal Government. He should not be punished for the political clumsiness of those who claim to represent the APC in the state. Akwa Ibom deserves inclusion, not exclusion; appreciation, not abandonment.

As for the Akwa Ibom APC, this should be a moment of sober reflection. A party that cannot secure even one ambassadorial certificate of survival has no moral justification to shout “we are at the centre.” Political relevance is measured by results, not rallies. Federal appointments are earned by competence, contribution, and credibility, not by dancing during insecurity crises.

Akwa Ibom PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPaJ) calls for fairness, wisdom, and national inclusion. Our people must never again be left out of Nigeria’s diplomatic representation.

Tom FredFish, Chairman, PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice